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Studies show mental health literacy and life skills decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help children succeed. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Experts recommends PA educators, parents prioritize student mental health

Experts are advising schools and parents to prioritize student mental health as Pennsylvania children return to learning. A new checklist from the …

Eligible Pennsylvania children live in families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Children with access include those enrolled in high-quality providers using public funds to support their pre-K education. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

PA pre-K advocates back governor's funding boost to expand access

Recent data on pre-K education in Pennsylvania revealed much work remains to improve investments in pre-K education in the state. In Pennsylvania…

In Pennsylvania, infants and toddlers qualify for Early Intervention services if they exhibit a 25% or greater developmental delay in one or more key areas of development. (santypan/Adobe Stock)

PA Early Intervention programs vital for child development

A new study highlights the importance of Pennsylvania's Early Intervention program and its services for infants and toddlers at risk of developmental …

Some 23% of children served in Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Programs in Pennsylvania are non-Hispanic Black, compared to 41% of children identifying as non-Hispanic White.<br />(Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Charting a Path to Equitable Access for PA Early Learning System

The Keystone State has some work to do to provide more access to quality pre-Kindergarten programs for the youngest Pennsylvanians. Only 43% of …

Pennsylvania's 500 school districts range in size from approximately 200 students to more than 140,000 students. (WavebreakmediaMicro/AdobeStock)

PA State Budget in Limbo Over Private School Voucher Plan

Pennsylvania is still operating without a budget as the new school year approaches. House Bill 611 is now in the state Senate. It would provide more …

In 2017-2018, boys of nearly all races were disproportionately disciplined, but Black boys in pre-K through 12th grade were suspended and expelled at proportions three times their enrollment, according to the U.S. Department of Education. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Restorative Practices Strengthening Relationships with PA Students, Communities

Restorative practices have gained a foothold in Pennsylvania schools as districts look for ways to reduce suspensions and improve their school climate…

The 2023 Kids Count Data Book noted Pennsylvania's average annual cost of center-based child care for a toddler was $11,346, or 10% of the median income for a married couple and 35% of a single mother's income in the state. (DenisProduction.com/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Ranks 22nd Among States in Child Well-Being

Pennsylvania ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children. It is 22nd overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

The Commonwealth's K-12 public school system serves more than 1.7 million students. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Call to Action: PA Group Pushes for More K-12 School Funding

More school funding for basic and special education, along with more funding targeted to lower-income districts are on the wish list of a …

Subsidized Child Care Program assists low-income families in Pennsylvania to help with child-care expenses, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (Lordn/AdobeStock)">

Study: Children in Child Care Don't Exhibit Problematic Behaviors

A new study shows kids in child care are not more likely to exhibit behavior problems than those who don't attend them. The Society for Research in …

Pennsylvania's per capita spending on pre-K education is $1,103, far less than neighboring New Jersey, which spends nearly $4,000 per capita. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Funding Can Boost Academic Success Starting in Pre-K

With negotiations for Pennsylvania's budget under way, a new report unpacks the state's investment in early-childhood education. Advocates hope it …

During the 2018-19 school year, an estimated 86% of students in Pennsylvania's public schools did not receive adequate funding, according to state law. (Adobe Stock)

PA's School Funding Trial Gives Snapshot of State's Underfunded Districts

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's school funding trial is entering its fourth week today. Testimony so far has provided an inside view into the …

The school-funding lawsuit will be heard in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg and is expected to run through December. (Wikimedia Commons)

PA Education Advocates Rally at Capitol Ahead of School Funding Trial

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With nearly two weeks to go until the Commonwealth Court hears arguments about whether Pennsylvania's school funding system is …

Since school started in Pennsylvania, the Department of Health says 5,000 students have tested positive for COVID-19. It's one reason for Gov. Tom Wolf's Sept. 7 mask mandate. (Gov. Tom Wolf/Flickr)

Mask Mandate Coming for All PA K-12 Schools, Child-Care Centers

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Face masks will be mandatory at all public and private K-through-12 schools in Pennsylvania, starting next week. Gov. Tom Wolf …

Among other recommendations, child-care advocates want to see Pennsylvania expand its Infant/Toddler Contracted Slots Program to provide free child care to 3,000 to 4,000 more kids from eligible families. (Adobe Stock)

PA Child-Care Providers: State Budget Falls Short for Youngest Learners

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Gov. Tom Wolf signed the new state budget last week, which includes a historic $416 million increase in public-education funding…

Research shows unequal application of school discipline is due to different treatment, not different behavior by students. (MIA Studio/Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights PA School Discipline Disparities

PHILADELPHIA -- A report to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission recommends banning exclusionary discipline for nonviolent offenses in Pennsylvania …

Teachers said prioritizing vaccinations for school staff is essential to providing the best education for students and keeping the community safe. (David Gales/Adobe Stock)

PA Teachers Praise Vaccination Plan

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The union representing more than 170,000 school employees is praising a new vaccination plan that will make returning to in-…

Advocates for public education in Pennsylvania say deep inequities between wealthy and poor school districts have had a disparate impact on Black and Latinx children. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

PA Education Budget Proposal Called "Good Start"

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Public-education advocates have high praise for Gov. Tom Wolf's proposed education budget, but some believe the state could do more …

The governor's proposal would allow about 3,270 additional children to enroll in high-quality early learning programs. (Christin Lola/Adobe Stock)

PA Governor Proposes Major Ed-Budget Boost

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Gov. Tom Wolf has proposed increasing Basic Education Funding by more than 21% in the coming fiscal year. The governor's proposal …

The guidelines use public health data to determine if Pennsylvania schools should have in-person or online instruction. (tanaonte/Adobe Stock)

State Lists Recommendations for Reopening PA Schools

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania schools have new, science-based metrics to guide them in deciding whether they should open for classroom instruction…

School reopening guidance includes best practices for social distancing, face masks and cleaning classrooms. (ShunTerra/Adobe Stock)

Choices and Concerns as Schools Plan to Reopen

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania schools will begin reopening soon and advocates for children say there's a lot to consider for the quality of …

Teachers say without adequate funding, reopening schools will put teachers, students and their families at risk. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Teachers Urge Caution and Support to Reopen PA Schools

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania schools are scheduled to reopen on August 17, but teachers are concerned the planning and funding needed to reopen …

One priority parents mentioned in the education poll is the need to close the digital divide, to ensure students have access to computers and the internet. (shangarey/Adobe Stock)

Teachers Get High Marks from Parents

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- This is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and a new poll shows overwhelming approval of the way teachers, principals and school …

The grant money will be used for a variety of programs, including more attention to maternal anxiety and depression. (Anneke/Adobe Stock)

PA Receives Major Grant for Children’s Services

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Efforts to increase the number of children and families receiving high-quality services in Pennsylvania are getting a big boost …

Early childhood education is critical to children's future learning potential. (Oksana Kuzmina/Adobe Stock)

PA Kids Can Keep Learning, Even While Schools are Closed

HARRISBURG, Pa. - With schools closing around the country to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, millions of children could lose critical …

Pennsylvania ranks 44th in the nation for state share of education funding. (Chlorophylle/Adobe Stock)

PA School Budget Increases Called Positive but Insufficient

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Gov. Tom Wolf's budget proposal includes more for schools, but education advocates say there's still a long way to go. The …

In nearly 2 out of 3 state Senate districts, less than half of eligible preschoolers attend a high-quality pre-K program. (Manny DaCunha/Adobe Stock)

PA Still Behind in Funding Pre-K

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania has seen growth in its per-capita investment in high-quality pre-K, but other states still are doing more. The …

The poverty rate for early educators is almost twice that of Pennsylvania workers generally, and 13.6 times higher than other teachers. (PixieMe/Adobe Stock)

Report Calls for Massive Investment in Early Education

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Investing in a "values-based" early child education system would serve 500,000 Pennsylvania children and employ 200,000 teachers…

American Education Week is a celebration of the teachers and support professionals who make public schools work. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Education Week: A Good Time to Thank a Teacher

HARRISBURG, Pa. – This is the start of the 98th annual American Education Week, a time to celebrate the achievements of public education and …

Children who attend high quality pre-k are better prepared for kindergarten and make smoother transitions to elementary school, according to a new report. (liderina/Adobe Stock)

Survey Shows Broad Teacher Support for Pre-K

HARRISBURG, Pa. – More than 90% of Pennsylvania kindergarten teachers agree that high quality pre-k prepares children for school success…

Advocates for public schools in Pennsylvania say there's no data to show whether students receiving vouchers have improved academic outcomes. (smolaw11/AdobeStock)

PA House Committee Approves Private Schools Voucher Increase

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Expanding tax credits for private-school tuition will benefit the rich at the expense of public education, according to …

Pennsylvania's Early Intervention Services can help identify and overcome learning problems before children start preschool, but not all parents are aware of the program. (rbalouria/Pixabay)

Help Available for At-Risk Early Learners

PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania children at risk of falling behind their peers in preschool and kindergarten can get help to prepare them for school…

Nearly one of every six Pennsylvania children is at risk of being overlooked as people are counted for the 2020 Census. (Bess-Hamiti/Pixabay)

PA Kids Make Gains, But Census Undercount Could Hinder Progress

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The latest figures on the well-being of children show Pennsylvania ranks 17th in the nation, but children's advocates fear …

Poll results show Pennsylvanians recognize the importance of early childhood education. (dagon_/Pixabay)

Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Increased State Pre-K Funding

HARRISBURG, Pa. – As the legislature returns to hammer out a state budget, a new poll shows a sizable majority of voters are willing to pay …

Pennsylvania ranks 18th out of 30 states with publicly funded pre-K. (Floridanana/Pixabay)

Report Shows PA Lagging in Pre-K

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Investing in pre-K is investing in a strong future for Pennsylvania, according to a new report from Pennsylvania Partnerships …

A new report says greater investment in high-quality, publicly funded pre-kindergarten programs would help ensure children's later school success. (26057/Pixabay)

Report Shows Wide Disparities in Opportunities for PA Kids

HARRISBURG, Pa. - There are wide and persistent disparities in opportunities for African-American and Latino children in Pennsylvania, according to a …

The report says every dollar invested in quality pre-K programs returns $4 in the long term. (an3344625/Pixabay)

PA Principals Say Quality Pre-K Works

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania school principals agree that enrolling children in quality pre-K programs gives them important tools for …

If a revenue bill is not passed by Friday, school funding may be cut by $1 billion. (12019/Pixabay)

Budget Impasse Called Man-Made Disaster for Schools

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- While Texas and Florida have been hit by natural disasters, education advocates say a man-made disaster in the form of a budget …

Despite increases, advocates estimate Pennsylvania needs to invest $3 billion more in public education. (Michelle Collins/Wikimedia Commons)

State Education Budget Called Better, But Still Short

PHILADELPHIA – The state budget that passed the General Assembly last week gives some critical extra funding to education, but advocates say …

The budget agreement adds $25 million for pre-Kindergarten programs and $4.77 million for Head Start. (Gov. Tom Wolf)

Budget Agreement Called Victory for PA Kids

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The budget agreement passed by Pennsylvania's General Assembly gives a big boost to early childhood education. The …

The KIDS COUNT Data Book says Pennsylvania ranks 11th nationally for education. (R.K. Singam/Wikimedia Commons)

Report Shows Improved Well-Being of PA Kids

HARRISBURG, Pa. – There's been improvement in the well-being of the nation's children, but a new report finds Pennsylvania kids still need some …

Investing in pre-K raises graduation rates, reduces crime and saves tax dollars, according to a new report. (U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: PA Needs to Invest More in Quality Pre-K

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania is continuing to invest in quality pre-K programs for at-risk kids, but a new report says there's still a long …

In Pennsylvania, 64 percent of children who are eligible for publicly funded Pre-K are not being served. (Chris Morgan/Flickr)

House Bill Shortchanges PA Kids, Education Advocates Say

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A budget bill passed by the state House of Representatives on Tuesday falls far short of adequately funding Pre-K and child …

Gov. Tom Wolf�s proposed budget increases basic education funding in Pennsylvania by $100 million. (Office of Gov. Tom Wolf)

Tight State Budget Proposal Boosts Education

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Gov. Tom Wolf's budget is balanced through cuts and consolidation, but it calls for increased education funding. The $32.3 …

In Pennsylvania, 74 percent of eligible children in suburban districts cannot access publicly funded pre-K. (Terren in Virginia/Flickr)

Most Eligible PA Children Missing Benefits of Publicly Funded Pre-K

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A majority of eligible children in every Pennsylvania community misses out on the benefits of high quality, publicly funded …

Schools in poor districts may lack basics such as adequate computer labs. (Tomasz_Mikolajczyk/pixabay.com)

Advocates Heading to Court Over School Funding

PHILADELPHIA - A lawsuit claiming that state school funding levels violate the state constitution is set to go to court next month. Pennsylvania has …

A Pennsylvania Senate vote on HB 1606 may be imminent. (Rlibrandi/Wikimedia Commons)

Bill to Expand PA Charter Schools Sees Opposition

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Education advocates are raising alarms over a bill in the state Senate they claim would take control of charter schools away from …

Half of Pennsylvania school districts plan to reduce academic and extracurricular programs this fall. (Gov. Tom Wolf/Flickr)

PA School Funding Formula: Just a First Step

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The state's largest union for teachers says passing the school-funding formula is a step in the right direction, but schools still …

About 120,000 children from low-income families in Pennsylvania have no publicly funded pre-K. (Chris Morgan/flickr.com)

Pediatricians Rally for Access to Pre-K

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pediatric hospital residents rallied in Harrisburg this week, asking Gov. Tom Wolf and state legislators to invest more in high-…

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PA: Early Childhood Education